[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6391919,"mediaKeyId","2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76","parentId",2110753,"title","Committee approves liquor licenses and multiple equipment purchases; motions, approvals listed","audioSeconds",53,"startMs",494000,"endMs",547000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76&start=494&end=547","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76/thumbnail_494000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6391919/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-liquor-licenses-and-multiple-equipment-purchases-motions-approvals-listed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391919-6351ee06723b0a629f962a49266a1f63/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185205&Signature=mRQHWJWzy0f8aKYACu4baXSDfbOYMjPHxdOStC2eiHQshObrBxoCxq41tbeObMEJMHPv8P0aRdOgBZhdY~sru0VVoiXB-nKDVkn9zqOtYupiQ4YYIKcMD7YxfFVDRtZ3QKSs1EhRPY0CpP24OG8GMaPrYgUEJull2cz-Qu4impfU8uW~XoSgVFwuVcUYQwzz~YxGvxMjAas6TWvalMIPJFHwt87C74sJLWBcdFASQGUkGg0TqCKnWWRnGdj2S9IEzz4WSiowkX~-NR9MZQhqUaf2A9fFRL9o-8fq~Xu3MkPjbVhzicsZIs30x-U7gHqkrXO1mOUWCYxxROb1kfjVOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grand Forks, ND","date","2025-01-14T21:15:34.183Z","article","At its Monday meeting the Grand Forks Committee of the Whole approved multiple routine items by voice vote, including two alcoholic beverage license applications and several municipal equipment purchases.

License approvals: The committee voted to approve an application for a Class 2 off‑sale alcoholic beverage license for Bonzer's Bottle Shop LLC (motion by Council Member Kosowski, second by Council Member Berg) and a Class 1 on‑ and off‑sale general alcoholic beverage license for Blarney Stone Pub LLC (motion by Council Member Osowski, second by Council Member Berg). Both motions carried unanimously.

Equipment and small capital purchases: The council approved a series of departmental equipment purchases by voice vote, each carried unanimously. Items recorded in the meeting included a street‑maintenance medium‑duty truck purchase (motion approved by Osofsky; second by Berg), collections roll‑off cable truck purchase (motion by Osowski, second by Lunsky), a stormwater truck loader and brush mower attachment purchase (motion by Ocelski, second by Berg), and additional small equipment and fleet approvals discussed under consent.

All motions recorded in these items passed by voice vote with no recorded negative votes in the transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee of the Whole","oneSentenceSummary","The Committee of the Whole approved two liquor license applications and several municipal equipment purchases and small capital items in unanimous votes; record of motions and outcomes follows.","taxTitle","Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota","taxId",3815,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391924,"Council creates special assessment district to install storm sewer for UND pond outfall",100,551000,651000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76&start=551&end=651","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76/thumbnail_551000.jpg","/articles/6391924/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Council-creates-special-assessment-district-to-install-storm-sewer-for-UND-pond-outfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391924-63bf525af5009af0c4f4b9264b1f3f82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185205&Signature=O9ebaIVleRy-EU3Iq884RJheQJhLtpyjFhGK4~JxCW~1DCgWCUv4nA~vNztwl7P8yQoKsqlXsE6hzZTg~7G8orZ5nVMZQZuBlKhAk2a2JsMbVDVGZy4-o1tW76c73uMGo5NIjIawQCcGWfhLGatO9LmiziYqEQDrqFZzK9ZFO-bGb~i9izDpfVooGlRlOyNh~f5CUv5UV5CWiaHXy-SAhtJ9kpTuKlykwFkuQO4tEqwcrH8AV6u6DiWf3uXDExOdTUfCx0u2i8BVCtnGJiKcLqszc2dENO0l6SszE66FUXG-Y0G5M3IHmeRqInngQ9LD9-Wr1Iee3CcfGECHWp5~Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to create special assessment district No. 611 for City Project No. 8916 to construct a storm sewer outfall serving a newly installed stormwater pond on UND property.

City staff said the work will install approximately 110 feet of new storm sewer on North 25th Street from Second Avenue North to University Avenue to serve the pond and to drain Second Avenue runoff into the pond. Staff estimated construction costs at $182,000 and recommended the city approve the engineer’s report, create the special assessment district, and direct engineering to prepare plans and specifications. The cost was described in the meeting as 100% special assessed to the benefiting properties in the drainage area.

A motion to approve the engineer’s report and create the special assessment district was made by Council Member Salsky and seconded by Council Member Berg. The motion carried unanimously.","The committee approved creation of special assessment district No. 611 for City Project No. 8916 (UND pond outfall) to install about 110 feet of new storm sewer; construction cost is estimated at $182,000 and will be 100% special assessed to benefiting properties.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391929,"Committee approves Phase 1 design services for downtown Gateway and Greenway project after maintenance concerns",377,724000,1101000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76&start=724&end=1101","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76/thumbnail_724000.jpg","/articles/6391929/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-Phase-1-design-services-for-downtown-Gateway-and-Greenway-project-after-maintenance-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391929-db9c13aebb82077a43fc3e354b469e30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185205&Signature=HJTfVX40mrrYuxh-7XaoIYC-0x69ZnY1YH7x2-9SeiIRSaPHz1DtixgkWQuf15ZeJhLs~azJ3DHRCYgzmKzYHgp94A9WlHWBw~GxXuebE4sRB~JTQxqu8I0ZddBWZ9t6FcD31XrmNr4O-kfAiXUukn6Jgsut--cCfBfWpnFAe2FB0bXf18IAm3ziOJ5i4TRfOFabNDl3UU6i7iyzOAXp4zxknb-hazBF4INhmInPiX~EzC-QbRJ1WeO~j8yXDv3~d4PSlgEDRF0q4YO6cA5Ay~0yy5dEtcnjXzZIsXgzlN3dkbrRj1vA-9qurDp61zuh5ieNjVC24cSbI7WFBEqy4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole on Monday approved a professional services contract authorization for Phase 1 of the downtown Gateway and Greenway project, which staff said received grant support from the National Park Service’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy program.

Staff said the Phase 1 work will produce preliminary designs for the roughly 20‑acre site south of the Sorlie Bridge (near DeMers Avenue) and that the RFQ process produced multiple proposals; the selection committee recommended Houston Engineering and RDG for initial work and community engagement. The motion to authorize the contracts passed unanimously.

Council members voiced support for the grant and design work but raised operational concerns. Council Member Lisowski cautioned against placing excessive infrastructure on the floodwall side of the levee, citing maintenance costs and the need to avoid designs that would require frequent removal or seasonal work. Council Member Lonsky asked whether the project would change the levee; staff replied the initial concept is to work within the existing flood protection infrastructure and to provide ADA access while relying on existing restroom facilities until upgrades are necessary.

Staff also said potential future parking shown on the concept plan is not part of Phase 1 and would be considered later if the city elects to include it. The Phase 1 scope will include hydraulic and hydrology analysis where earthwork is proposed and will include community input meetings during preliminary design.

The motion to move forward on retaining professional services was made by Council Member Kosowski and seconded by Council Member Lunsky; the motion carried unanimously.","Council authorized hiring professional services for Phase 1 of the downtown Gateway and Greenway project, funded through the National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy program; members urged caution about maintenance, levee interaction and future infrastructure.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391934,"Committee approves MOU supporting Cirrus Aircraft expansion, council member dissents over foreign ownership",948,1112000,2060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76&start=1112&end=2060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76/thumbnail_1112000.jpg","/articles/6391934/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-MOU-supporting-Cirrus-Aircraft-expansion-council-member-dissents-over-foreign-ownership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391934-daa53e8e29e5f39a99aea978dd528d5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185205&Signature=albZwOvz7-W3BGwNl1jGSmxkZvwKBX3CmblZuSoXScy6t1Wfo79ChWAmFAePqI6rNuxhUBBCEQxF~Ln8Oxpcmnhbpm8J32EzPqz76zH1RFhHoaOxvIgUqsIemhobb27EZKRVQ13Yfn2E7NVoalKW8pqEeKiceu9kk5FCgwIdpUBkPPJBuMknRdYBnuSe5e5fAs7As3OMoD8tvOvPaPQam0A0prNGFGamrb62Zcpwg8veEFx6AHZvP0UhovdKHFKPXHXFpxguI~n8JTB1O2kQCmtS9nPaCX-BI2sOud3rE0ihaeJbCoZWQQ1MUQxkVHOMPvc568dUFwj-rVoxU9xX6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole on Monday approved a memorandum of understanding to support a planned 30,000-square-foot expansion by Cirrus Aircraft, a move city staff said will enable production increases and create an estimated 30–45 new manufacturing jobs.

City staff told the committee the expansion — estimated at $10.5 million for the building plus additional investments in tooling and improvements — would strengthen Grand Forks as Cirrus’s manufacturing hub and lay groundwork for possible larger expansions over the next five years. The council voted to approve the MOU; Council Member Lisowski dissented.

City speakers said Cirrus would invest in tooling and automation and that the company plans additional investments in existing facilities, representing roughly a $15 million total project value when combined with other improvements. Cirrus’s site manager, Steve Thomas, told the committee the expansion will support new product lines, including an SR‑10 training airplane, and “set the table” for further expansion and automation investments.

To keep Cirrus’s operations competitive, city staff said the economic package being offered includes a 10-year, 100% city property tax exemption and the possibility of PACE financing similar to prior primary‑sector deals. City staff framed the package as comparable to other local incentives and argued the city had previously used longer or larger tax incentives in downtown and campus projects.

Council concerns focused on ownership and national security review. City staff noted Cirrus’s ownership structure and said the company has engaged with the Department of Defense and the Air Force; staff said no red flags had been identified at that point. Council Member Lisowski said she opposed granting a 100% tax exemption to a company with ties to China and stated she did not agree with the incentive package; her dissent was recorded when the motion passed.

The motion to approve the MOU was made by Council Member Lansky and seconded by Council Member Bean. The motion passed; the transcript records Lisowski’s dissent. City staff said approval of the MOU would allow staff to prepare a formal development agreement and pursue required approvals for tax incentives and PACE finance.","The committee approved a memorandum of understanding to support a 30,000-square-foot Cirrus Aircraft expansion in Grand Forks that city staff said would add 30–45 jobs and set up potential future growth; one council member dissented citing foreign ownership and CFIUS concerns.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6391938,"Committee approves preliminary MOU with Agristo for proposed $450 million potato processing plant",1383,2073000,3456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76&start=2073&end=3456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110753-708e2e5f6ecc159c670f7b225a44ca76/thumbnail_2073000.jpg","/articles/6391938/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Committee-approves-preliminary-MOU-with-Agristo-for-proposed-450-million-potato-processing-plant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391938-015c1e78669efad64d406ea9c5a0971a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185205&Signature=IMJQmxCsdkOqcg3BnZ8eqzMFt8HjyE6ywz7xVHkal0hp2N3XT6Hx0mAVmk-eQeSyLRy4A~DCSZGTaAyIptkbb~7Uc8l-cGNigeYx7gJUll-Ofwem2I47kZ5i1ssYrKbGEpTTFain-yVgCXl-yWjJHlHaoWIkOpK2eBj0I8Omw8a9g4KtBERT~kg5X3IDj5lPusgn~KVFYksnqSNHP-ndtblL-BRvHm2E3XNoGaaKvbYy3d8u-l9gwjbJumHnqf7ER42Bp9GsYIUEAheUoweRkbhd-qwZ4JVtbPwc4x7CBcks8Oafu~wY2hCefN6tsEXTvYct-jpBQR5Uj5ztmgd7mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole on Monday approved a preliminary memorandum of understanding with Agristo that would begin negotiations for a proposed $450 million potato processing plant and related regional investments.

The MOU, approved unanimously, authorizes city staff to continue negotiations toward a development agreement and to pursue the package of local tax incentives that Agristo has requested. City staff and regional growers told the committee the project promises local farm demand, regional storage and large construction and operating impacts.

City staff described the project as a $450 million processing investment, with an additional $100 million to $150 million in storage investment on and off farm. The city said the package under discussion includes a proposed 20-year, 90% property tax exemption from the City of Grand Forks and that many other incentives being discussed would come from state programs, including a proposed $30 million forgivable infrastructure loan that requires state legislation. City staff estimated the plant’s water demand at roughly 700,000 gallons per day and said wastewater needs would be of a similar order of magnitude.

Gary Shields, Executive Director of the Northland Potato Growers Association, told the council the project grew from multi-year grower trials and said the plant would bolster potato acreage in the region and create new markets for growers. “This is not a knee‑jerk project,” Shields said. “It is our soil and our people that got us this contract from the competing states.”

Council members pressed for early, explicit answers on national security and regulatory review because Agristo is a foreign‑owned company. Council Member Osowski asked that Agristo proactively file with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) rather than wait for an inquiry. Council Member Lisowski said she wanted assurances and public transparency given past controversies around foreign investment; she said she hoped Agristo would file with CFIUS in advance.

City staff and the city attorney’s office told the council the MOU is a preliminary step. It establishes a framework for good‑faith negotiations and identifies topics the eventual development agreement will address, including tax incentives, infrastructure responsibilities, and environmental and utility requirements. Staff said the MOU does not commit the city to incentives or financing; any final tax exemptions would proceed through the local government advisory process and require consideration by the county commission and school board.

The motion to approve the MOU was made by Council Member Terveen, seconded by Council Member Lunsky, and carried unanimously.

Next steps identified by staff include completing the negotiated development agreement, pursuing state legislative requests for infrastructure funding, presenting incentives to the local advisory committee, and bringing final agreements back to the council for approval.","The Grand Forks Committee of the Whole approved a preliminary memorandum of understanding with Agristo to pursue a proposed $450 million potato-processing facility. Council members pressed for early federal review and detailed infrastructure terms as the project advances toward a formal development agreement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves liquor licenses and multiple equipment purchases; motions, approvals listed

Council creates special assessment district to install storm sewer for UND pond outfall

Committee approves Phase 1 design services for downtown Gateway and Greenway project after maintenance concerns

Committee approves MOU supporting Cirrus Aircraft expansion, council member dissents over foreign ownership

Committee approves preliminary MOU with Agristo for proposed $450 million potato processing plant